Mule Hoof Missing 1 sq in Hoof Wall-Repair or Leave Alone?

[MuleGirl]

13 year old, 800-lb, sound mule, natural foot, hooves in otherwise good condition and on pasture 24/7 injured his foot somehow within the last few days. I noticed him limping a little, checked all feet and discovered a 1 sq in V-shaped chip missing from the outside wall of his left hoof. Plainly visible is the white, soft hoof flesh inside. No other damage. No puncture wound evident. No blood or other evidence of infection. No noticeable smell.

Should I try to have repaired or just let it grow out? Not necessary for him to work or be ridden this winter, and we are planning for him to be on this winter pasture until April. I'm just not certain who to call..the farrier, the vet, both or neither.

Thanks!

[John Barney]

When was the last time he was trimmed? Is the V shape upsidedown in the quarter area? It sounds like he needed trimmed and the hoof broke out. The quarters are usually the first place to " self trim. You are probably seeing good white line, this would be close to where he sould be trimmed. If it has been awhile call your farrier and get him trimmed. Hope this helps.

JB

[MuleGirl]

Thank you for replying! I phoned the farrier first, who recommended the vet take a first look and then phone him with instructions. The vet who came out is brand new (here we call them "baby vets") and he thought it was an abcess blown out. I disagree, but not being a professional farrier nor a vet, I suppose I'm not in a position to argue. Since he was not limping before yesterday, and the break is low on the hoof, it did not seem like an abcess. The baby vet said he thought he could see the white separating from the front of the hoof, and this scared me. He wanted to leave a wrap on him while in pasture for two days, but I was fearful that this would only set up perfect conditions to culture an infection.

I sent him on to the "mule spa" (that would be the vet's stable where Willie the Mule will receive daily foot soaks, evaluation by a more experienced vet and will receive a nice hoof trim by the mule-experienced farrier). The V-shape break is upside down, as you suggest, with the larger part of the V along the leading edge of the hoof, at the quarter, just as you describe.

He has not been trimmed all summer, so he is in need of a trim, although on inspection, there are no other chips or cracks at all...he has perfect mule feet.

I will post and let you know what the consensus was after everyone has had their say.

Thanks again! Ahhh, the joys of horse and mule ownership!

[John Barney]

I don't want to sound like I am on my high horse here but it sounds like the soaking that is going on is from your wallet. If there was no blood or sign or smell of infection, what are they soaking the foot for? A baby vet as you put it should seek advice from a expirenced farrier when it comes to the foot not vice versa. If you would have described to me over the phone this situation as well as you have here, I would be out at my next available appoinment for a trim. Your reply of " he hasn't been trimmed all summer" was the clincher for me. If you look at the quarters on the other feet you will probably see 3/4 to 1 inch of long hoof that will break out next. It is easy for me to say this looking at the computer instead of your mule though. You should get another opinion or send us some pidtures. Good luck.

JB